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River le LignonRiver le Lignon
©River le Lignon|Luc Olivier

Le Lignon rivers and lakes

  1. Home
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  3. From volcano to river
  4. Le Lignon, river and lakes

Can you hear the trickle of water? Then the Lignon is not far away.

A nature destination, Haut-Lignon Lignon offers a multitude of secret, unspoilt spots.
This river, emblematic of trout, crosses the Haut-Lignon but is not easily approached.

On hot summer days, hike along the water’s edge to enjoy its freshness and wild spots.
Beautiful panoramas await the most daring.

Published on 23 September 2024

Upper Lignon Valley Natura 2000 zone

Natura 2000 is the European Union’s network of outstanding natural sites.

The Lignon from its source to Lac de Lavalette is classified as a Natura 2000 zone.
The Upper Lignon Valley is recognized as a particularly remarkable natural heritage in Europe, due to the rare habitats and species it still harbors. It’s 43 km of waterway!

To ensure the preservation of its biodiversity, the Lignon is observed and monitored, and its species and natural habitats are inventoried… and the protective measures implemented by the E.P.A.G.E. enable us to preserve this fragile, remarkable natural area in all its beauty.
From the Moulin de Boyer to the Lac de Lavalette, four species are protected:

  • the Pearl Mussel,
  • European beaver
  • the European Otter,
  • the white-clawed crayfish.
  • More info
Gorges du LignonGorges du Lignon
©Gorges du Lignon|©LaurentPick85
    Autumn view of the Lignon gorges from the D103 road between Chambon-sur-Lignon and TenceAutumn view of the Lignon gorges from the D103 road between Chambon-sur-Lignon and Tence
    ©Autumn view of the Lignon gorges from the D103 road between Chambon-sur-Lignon and Tence|Luc Olivier

      Its tributaries

      There are many of them…

      Les Mazeaux, le Mousse, le Joux, le Japinard, le ruisseau des Blondes, la Brossette, le Trifoulou, la Sérigoule, le Lioussel, le rau des Merles, le rau du Monastier, les raus du Cholet, des Souches, le rau de Meynier, le Panelir, la Ligne!

      Explore this natural area by hiking, mountain biking or on a nature outing accompanied by a professional nature guide.

      • Top walks by the water -
      Le LignonLe Lignon
      ©Le Lignon |P. Boussaud
      Flowers at Moulin de BoyerFlowers at Moulin de Boyer
      ©Flowers at Moulin de Boyer|©N.Epalle/Office de tourisme du Haut-Lignon

        Le Lignon retrouvé 

        Le Lignon retrouvé
        Le Lignon retrouvé
        Le Lignon retrouvé

        The bridge des Gorges du Lignon

        The Lignon continues its course past Lac de Lavalette and the Gorges du Lignon become vertiginous.

        The proof: the Passerelle des Gorges du Lignon.

        France’s longest Himalayan footbridge at 268 m.

        • Gorges du Lignon footbridge
        Himalayan footbridgeHimalayan footbridge
        ©Himalayan footbridge

          Picnic areas at the water's edge

          At the stade du Pont below the village of Tence

          tables and play area, wc – 45.115076, 4.285224.
          On-site parking, stroller access

          At the Beach in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon

          swimming, snack bar in season, tables and play area, wc – 45.053062, 4.316379.
          On-site parking, stroller access

          In Le Chambon-sur-Lignon at the bottom of the village

          tables – 45.058712, 4.299002.
          On-site parking, stroller access

          Base de loisirs Lac de Lavalette

          leisure center, hiking, mountain biking, arboretum, swimming…
          tables, wc – 45.1516997, 4.217429.
          Free on-site parking, stroller access

          Stationery 4 km from Tence

          tables – 45.131910, 4.284544.
          On-site parking, stroller access

          Costerousse 2 km from Tence

          tables – 45.104716, 4.276099.
          On-site parking, stroller access

          Base de loisirs Lake Devesset

          leisure center, hiking, mountain biking, swimming…
          tables, wc – 45.1516997, 4.217429.
          On-site parking, stroller access

          Explore Le Lignon from every angle

          Gorges du Lignon seen from the D103 road between Chambon-sur-Lignon and TenceGorges du Lignon seen from the D103 road between Chambon-sur-Lignon and Tence
          ©Gorges du Lignon seen from the D103 road between Chambon-sur-Lignon and Tence|Luc Olivier
          Top panoramas on the Lignon
          Concordia TrailConcordia Trail
          ©Concordia Trail|©N.Epalle/Office de tourisme du Haut-Lignon
          The concordia trail
          Lake DevessetLake Devesset, drone view
          ©Lake Devesset |Naturofilm
          Lake Devesset
          Lake LavaletteLake Lavalette
          ©Lake Lavalette|Luc Olivier
          Lake Lavalette
          Petites filles au bord de l'eau, Swimming in the Lignon with your family, The beach at Chambon-sur-LignonLignon family swim
          ©Family bathing in the Lignon|NaturoFILM
          La Plage au Chambon
          In the foreground, the river Lignon flows by with a fly fisherman. In the background, a bridge spans the river, and the houses of the village of Tence are tightly packed together.Fly fishing on the Lignon at Tence
          ©Fly fishing on the Lignon at Tence|NaturoFILM
          Fishing
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          Carte Haut Lignon
          How do I get there ?
          Open all year round and 7/7 in high season LE CHAMBON-SUR-LIGNON 2, route de Tence - 43400

          lechambonsurlignon@ot-hautlignon.con
          + 33 (0)4 71 59 71 56
          Open all year round and 7/7 in high season TENCE 32 Grande Rue - 43190

          tence@ot-hautlignon.com
          + 33 (0)4 71 59 71 56
          Open in season LE MAZET-SAINT-VOY Halle Fermière

          place des droits de l'Homme
          + 33 (0)4 71 59 71 56
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